Mastering Blues Music: Expert Tips & Advice From Four Acclaimed Guitarists
We spoke with four acclaimed guitarists to get their professional insights on mastering modern Blues, from tone and technique to gear and groove.
Featuring Ally Venable, Ross Hayes Citrullo, Philip Sayce, and Kris Barras
The Blues has been around for nearly a century and still has musicians enamoured with its sound. Although it is based on a 12-bar chord progression, modern Blues artists have found ways to fuse other styles with it.
I spoke to 4 professional musicians from around the world to get their take on Modern Blues.
Ally Venable
Photo credit: Jeremiah Shepherd
Ally Venable is an incredibly talented musician. A singer/songwriter with incredible guitar chops. Guitar Player magazine sang her praises in the arena of Blue/Rock and Soul. Her song Texas Honey landed on the Billboard Blues charts at number 2.
Magesh Magesh, Musicngear: When people think of the Blues, they think of Robert Johnson and B.B. King. How would you describe the modern blues guitar style?
The playing and essence of Robert Johnson and B.B. King are rooted in the way individuals play blues guitar today. There is evidence to show how Blues music has evolved since those legendary artists became popular, if you just listen.
Modern Blues guitarists take influence from the sound produced by those around them as well as the greats before them, while simultaneously incorporating themselves and their interpretation of what the music is to them, and how they can effectively articulate all of that with their playing.
Musicngear: The 12-bar blues is such a staple in this music. How does someone get better at soloing over this common chord progression?
I believe the whole point of playing this type of music is to set your intentions with it. How you're getting “better” at performing a 12-bar or a shuffle is really listening to the musicians around and really intending to connect with the audience, yourself, the musicians on stage with you, and your instrument.
Musicngear: The shuffle rhythm common in the Blues has a jump in the beat. Do you have any advice for musicians to try and get better at playing over this beat?
I would say to follow the groove of the song and let that guide you. Play for the music and the music will give you what you need to move forward.
Modern Blues guitarists take influence from the sound produced by those around them, as well as the greats before them
Musicngear: Tone is particularly important to guitar players. Can you recommend any gear (strings/pedals) that can help give you a better Blues guitar tone?
In all honesty, the tone truly comes from the guitar player. You could have the same setup as another player, and even play the same licks as them, but you are going to sound like you.
So, I would say find gear/pedals that resonate with you, that you like as a player, that will accentuate the tone of your hands.
Musicngear: Can you talk about the setup you are currently using?
The setup I am currently using consists of an Analog Man King of Tone Pedal, Vox Jimi. Hendrix Anniversary Wah, Rick Weaver Univibe, MXR Carbon Copy Delay, Keeley Monterrey Pedal, Boss Tuner, Boss WL Wireless system, Amp – Andrew Model – Category5 Amplification.
My guitars: Jimmy Wallace Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul Limited Colours Edition Magenta, Epiphone Love Drops Flying V.
Musicngear: What projects are you working on right now?
I am currently touring on my newly released album “Money & Power” and I’m always writing songs in between albums and creating videos. I’m always searching for the next creative outlet in my musical journey.
I will be heading back to the UK for a short tour from October 14th to 18th. Tickets are available at www.allyvenableband.com
Ally Venable’s new album “Money & Power” is out now via Ruf Records.
Connect with Ally Venable
Instagram / Facebook / Spotify
Ross Hayes Citrullo
Photo credit: Paul Wright
Ross Hayes Citrullo is the guitarist for the Toronto-based roots rock band “The Commoners.” He is also a 3x Juno Award-nominated producer, mixer, engineer, and an Emmy Award-winning re-recording mixer.
Magesh Magesh, Musicngear: When people think of the Blues, they think of Robert Johnson and B.B. King. How would you describe the modern blues guitar style?
Modern blues guitar still has that raw emotion and soul from the classics, but it’s blended with rock, funk, and even a bit of country. Players today use heavier tones, more effects, and flashier techniques, but they always keep the feeling front and center.
It’s about honoring the roots while making it fresh and exciting for today’s crowd.
Musicngear: The 12-bar blues is such a staple in this music. How does someone get better at soloing over this common chord progression?
Honestly, the key to getting better at soloing over the 12-bar blues is all about practice and listening. Start by really learning the minor pentatonic and blues scales inside out—they’re your bread and butter. Then, try to “play the changes,” which means targeting the notes that match each chord as it comes up in the progression.
It also helps to listen to the masters—guys like SRV, Clapton, or Buddy Guy—and try to lean on some of their licks. But don’t just memorize; figure out why those licks work over each chord.
And finally, jam as much as you can, either with a band or backing tracks. The more you do it, the more natural it feels.
Musicngear: The shuffle rhythm common in the Blues has a jump in the beat. Do you have any advice for musicians to try and get better at playing over this beat?
The shuffle rhythm is all about that swing and groove—it’s what makes blues feel so infectious. My advice is to really focus on listening and internalizing that feel, where the beat isn’t straight but has that skip in it.
Start by playing along with classic blues tracks that have a strong shuffle—guys like Stevie Ray Vaughan or Muddy Waters. Tap your foot to the beat and let your picking hand relax into that swung rhythm. Practice muting and accenting the upbeats to get that bounce.
And don’t rush! The shuffle should feel laid-back, not stiff.
Players today use heavier tones, more effects, and flashier techniques, but they always keep the feeling front and center
Musicngear: Tone is particularly important to guitar players. Can you recommend any gear (strings/pedals) that can help give you a better Blues guitar tone?
The tone is everything for Blues-based guitar. Go for pure nickel strings, something like Ernie Ball or Daddario Pure Nickel sets. They’ve got a warmer, rounder tone that’s great for blues. I usually play 10-52, and I found that to be a good middle ground between playability and tone.
On the guitar side, try rolling back the tone knob a little for a warmer, rounder sound, especially on the neck pickup. That’s the secret sauce for a lot of blues players.
Musicngear: Can you talk about the setup you are currently using?
My current setup is all about dialing in that expressive blues-rock sound with the right gear for my playing style and tunings.
Guitars: The Commoners are Gibson UK artists, so you’ll see me playing a Gibson Les Paul, Gibson ES-335, and a Gibson SG. Each one has its own character: the Les Paul for thick, sustaining leads, the ES-335 for its open, woody tone, and the SG for the intricate slide work.
Strings: I use Daddario XSE1052 exclusively. The heavier bottom end works especially well for my open G hybrid tuning—it keeps the low strings nice and tight while letting the higher strings stay flexible for bends and slide work.
I’m proud to be endorsed by D’Addario; their strings are always consistent and perfect for the alternate tunings I use.
Slide: For slide, I play with a Jetslide (another company I’m endorsed by). The Jet Slide lets me switch seamlessly between fingered playing and slide, which is huge for capturing that bluesy vibe in our set.
Amp/Profile: On the amp side, I use the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, loaded with captured profiles of my vintage Hiwatt DR103 from 1974, done at my studio in Toronto. That amp gives me all the headroom and punch I need, with a classic British tone and a big, dynamic response. The Quad Cortex lets me take that iconic sound anywhere, with all the flexibility and reliability of digital.
Effects: Most of my drive tones come from the capture of my Analog Man King of Tone pedal within the Quad Cortex. The King of Tone has just the right touch sensitivity and warmth for blues and rock, and having its sound captured digitally means I get that magic on every gig. The rest of my effects—delay, reverb, and any specialty sounds are dialed in right on the Quad Cortex as well, so I can easily tailor my sound for each song and venue.
So that’s my rig: Gibson guitars, D’Addario 10-52s for my open G hybrid tuning, Jet Slide, and the classic sound of a ’74 Hiwatt DR103 via the Quad Cortex, with my Analog Man King of Tone capture handling most of my drive tones.
It’s all about getting that big, expressive sound and making sure my gear supports the way I play, every night.
Musicngear: What projects are you working on right now?
Right now, the Commoners are deep into writing for a new record. We’ve been jamming a ton and tossing around all sorts of riffs and ideas—lots of energy in the room! The plan is to capture that raw, live feel we love, but also push ourselves to explore some new sounds and directions.
We’re looking to head into the studio and start recording sometime in the fall. It is still early days, but I can say there is some stuff coming together that I am really excited about.
I think fans of what we do are going to love where the next record is headed. Stay tuned!
Connect with Ross Hayes Citrullo
Instagram / Website
Connect with The Commoners
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify
Watch the music video for 'Fill My Cup'
Philip Sayce
Photo credit: Adam Kennedy
Philip Sayce is an incredibly talented guitarist/singer, and songwriter. He has worked with legendary Blues artists Jeff Healy and Melissa Etheridge. As a solo act, he opened for iconic bands ZZ Top and Deep Purple.
Philip Sayce creates music that incorporates elements of Blues, Rock, and Soul.
Magesh Magesh, Musicngear: When people think of the Blues, they think of Robert Johnson and B.B. King. How would you describe the modern blues guitar style?
Without these incredibly important architects, there would not be a modern Blues style. They are the landscape and the DNA of any Blues guitar style, now and forever.
I would describe modern Blues guitar is emotional, powerful, and deeply personal to everyone who plays. It can be technically oriented, and it can be emotionally oriented, and it can be both. There is room for it all, and there’s room for everyone to say and play what they feel.
Musicngear: The 12-bar blues is such a staple in this music. How does someone get better at soloing over this common chord progression?
I would suggest listening to many players and seeing how they do it. Listen and learn.
Someone like Johnny Winter, for example, was such a masterful player and had the most interesting melodies and exciting passages over a 12-bar Blues progression. Someone like Otis Rush as well.
Just get out there and listen to some different players, soak it all up and add your heart to it, and make it your own.
Musicngear: The shuffle rhythm common in the Blues has a jump in the beat. Do you have any advice for musicians to try and get better at playing over this beat?
I don’t think there’s one way to do it, other than spending lots of time with the music, absorbing it, and getting it into your heart, soul, your blood, and your bones. Love the music and have fun with it.
From a guitar player's perspective, I think it’s important to also feel the pocket of the rhythm. Play the beat on your legs or try clapping or dancing to the shuffle beat. Then take that rhythm over to the guitar and infuse the rhythm into your playing.
Just get out there and listen to some different players, soak it all up and add your heart to it, and make it your own
Musicngear: Tone is particularly important to guitar players. Can you recommend any gear (strings/pedals) that can help give you a better Blues guitar tone?
Daddario guitar strings are the only strings I play. They are the ones to get. To find a great tone for electric players, try lots of different amplifiers and see what excites you. I like to find a sound that has lots of clear tone and headroom, but also gets a little spicy when you turn it up loud.
From there, introducing pedals such as a Tube Screamer or Fuzz Face turn up the heat even more. There are so many awesome builders out there right now making effects pedals based on the two I mentioned here. Have a look around and find something that excites you. Also, check out what your favorite players are using.
[artist:1] wrote the book on modern electric guitar tone, so much so that 60 years later, everyone is still trying to figure it out. Read up on his wizardry!
Musicngear: Can you talk about the setup you are currently using?
My current setup varies, but the mainstay is a 1960s Super Reverb, with some modifications by Cesar Diaz and Tommy Cougar.
I like single-coil guitars the most, and play a couple of 1963 Strats, PRS Silver Sky guitars, an SVL guitar with Seymour Duncan custom pickups, and a fierce 1960s SG Junior with one P90 pickup.
My pedal board also varies, but the mainstays are a couple of pedals built by Cesar Diaz, a vintage Vox Wah, a Univibe, Octavia, a delay, and an overdrive pedal. My pedal board is inspired by players such as [artist:0] and [artist:1].
Musicngear: What projects are you working on right now?
We were just in the studio recording a whole bunch of new songs. I am so excited about this new music and cannot wait to share it with you!
I went in with my band, Bryan Head on drums and Sam Bolle on bass, and Fred Mandel joined us on piano and organ.
Get ready!
Philip Sayce’s album “The Wolves Are Coming” is available from www.philipsayce.com
Connect with Philip Sayce
Instagram / Facebook / Website
Kris Barras
Photo credit: Rob Blackman
Kris Barras attacks whatever project he is doing with laser-like focus. It is easy to hear the passion and dedication in the music of Kris's new band, Hollow Souls.
The virtuoso guitarist has created a sound fusing Blues and rock with hard-hitting grooves.
Magesh Magesh, Musicngear: When people think of the Blues, they think of Robert Johnson and B.B. King. How would you describe the modern blues guitar style?
There are modern guys out there that are still true to the old-school Blues. Guys like Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Solomon Hicks.
However, when most people think of modern blues, they envisage the more Blues-Rock-type artists out there. More gain, heavier sound. Whilst my Blues playing will always lean towards the latter, I am a fan of both.
Musicngear: The 12-bar blues is such a staple in this music. How does someone get better at soloing over this common chord progression?
The first stage is to make sure that you are playing to the changes. Follow the chords with your note choices. Start with targeting the root notes of the chords, then look at resolving to other notes within the chords, too.
Musicngear: The shuffle rhythm common in the Blues has a jump in the beat. Do you have any advice for musicians to try and get better at playing over this beat?
I think it’s very much a “feel” thing. I have taught a lot of people over the years, and I always begin explaining the shuffle as a ‘broken triplet.’
For each beat, count 1,2,3. Then do the same triplet, in the same rhythm, but don’t say the two. That’s a shuffle.
However, I still believe it will always come down to the individual’s natural rhythm and feel.
Start with targeting the root notes of the chords, then look at resolving to other notes within the chords, too
Musicngear: Tone is particularly important to guitar players. Can you recommend any gear (strings/pedals) that can help give you a better Blues guitar tone?
Guitars and gear are a very personal thing. It boils down to whatever the player feels comfortable with. I’m just as happy playing the blues on a Telecaster as I am a Strat or a 355.
Musicngear: Can you talk about the setup you are currently using?
For the recent Hollow Souls recordings, I mainly used a Gibson ES-355 going straight into a Morgan Amplification AC-20 amp. On a couple of tunes, I added a Fuzz pedal. I kept it super simple.
We recorded the whole thing live, as we wanted to capture the moment. I’d do a quick tone check before each song, but there wasn’t much messing about.
Musicngear: What projects are you working on right now?
We just finished recording all the Hollow Souls stuff, and now I am writing some new, more heavy rock stuff for the Kris Barras Band.
Hopefully, I will get in the studio towards the end of the year for that, but no solid plans yet.
Kris Barras’ Hollow Souls are on tour in the UK from October 16th until November 9th. Tickets available from www.hollowsouls.co.uk/tour
Connect with Kris Barras
Instagram / Website
Connect with Hollow Souls
Instagram / Website
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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